Dosage form cap for an applicator

ABSTRACT

A cover assembly is provided for use with an applicator assembly, the cover assembly including a dosage form cap including a therapeutic agent and a cap inner surface defining a cap cavity, wherein the attachment end of the dosage form cap includes an engagement mechanism. The cover assembly also includes a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, the cover inner surface generally conforming to the cap outer surface of the dosage form cap. Also included is a method for providing a delivery device, the method including providing a sealed cover assembly to a consumer, wherein the cover assembly includes a dosage form cap and a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, wherein the dosage form cap is disposed within the cover cavity. The method also includes instructing the consumer to combine the cover assembly with a tampon assembly obtained by the consumer.

BACKGROUND

Delivery devices and methods of manufacturing delivery devices are used for the application of various therapeutic treatments or other non-medicinal preparations into the vaginal or other cavity.

Many disease states and physiological conditions may occur in a woman, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, and menopause. These symptoms may include dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping), irritability, water retention, moodiness, depression, anxiety, skin changes, headaches, breast tenderness, tension, weight gain, cravings, fatigue, hot flashes, itching and other associated sensory maladies.

Many of these symptoms are due to changes in hormonal levels throughout the menstrual cycle. One example that affects a large number of post-pubescent women is dysmenorrhea, which is the occurrence of painful uterine cramps during menstruation. Menstrual cramping is associated with increased levels of prostaglandin F2α, prostaglandin E2, and, in some cases, leukotrienes in the endometrium and menstrual fluid. These eicosinoids lead to restricted blood flow to the uterus and increased uterine contractions, causing pain.

Various analgesics may be effective in limiting the pain from dysmenorrhea; however, some orally-delivered analgesics can cause nausea and vomiting or other untoward side effects. As a result, alternative routes of analgesic delivery are of interest.

Attempts have been made to deliver analgesics in the vicinity of the cervix and the vaginal mucosa using various vaginally-inserted devices and methods. Because many of these symptoms typically occur in conjunction with menstruation, some have tried to combine an analgesic with a tampon by coating the tampon, dipping the tampon, or by combining the analgesic with the tampon materials.

For example, in a method appropriate for a laboratory setting, a formulation of a fatty compound excipient and an analgesic are heated to a liquid state. Constant mixing of the heated formulation is required to produce a homogeneous formulation. The formulation is then poured onto the tip of a tampon held in a form to contain the liquid. As the formulation cools, the ingredients solidify into a solid waxy substance that has adhered to the absorbent material of the tampon and is thereby securely fastened to the tip of the tampon.

SUMMARY

Several problems are inherent in a process that attempts to introduce a formulation including a therapeutic agent into or onto a tampon by coating, dipping, solidifying, or the like. Processes such as these may work in a laboratory setting but may not be feasible within an automated tampon manufacturing process. Because of dosing requirements, the formulation including a therapeutic agent must be maintained in a solution that is both homogeneous and of the proper purity to ensure consistent concentration of the therapeutic agent. These requirements are difficult to accomplish during production operation of an automated tampon manufacturing process, and are significantly more difficult to maintain when the automated tampon manufacturing process stops. In addition, different styles and sizes of tampons may have different densities and will absorb an applied liquid formulation including a therapeutic agent differently, resulting in variability in the abilities of the tampons to release the therapeutic agent.

Specifically, the need to provide constant agitation or mixing of the formulation including a therapeutic agent poses challenges as to how to keep a therapeutic agent homogeneously suspended in a solution when the automated tampon manufacturing process stops. The use of inline mixers and recirculation of the heated liquid formulation during machine stops may provide a method to keep the formulation moving and. mixed. However, because a machine could be stopped for several hours, the stability of some formulation mixtures may be compromised by long durations at elevated temperatures, or by mechanical shear forces due to the continuous pumping of the recirculating liquid.

In addition, environmental conditions, especially during shipping and/or storage, may cause some formulations including a therapeutic agent to melt and absorb into the tampon and/or onto the packaging material prior to use, thus making the therapeutic agent less available for use.

This disclosure solves these problems by coupling a cover assembly including a dosage form cap to an applicator to form a medicated applicator assembly. The dosage form cap including a therapeutic agent is solid or semi-solid at room temperature, and is sufficiently stable so that it may be manufactured separately in a controlled facility, whereby the therapeutic agent is easily controlled through controls on homogeneity, concentration, and purity.

The advantages of using a pre-manufactured cover assembly over an in-line process where the medicated ingredients are applied to the tampon coincident with the tampon manufacturing process are numerous. The cover assembly including a dosage form cap may be produced at a pharmaceutical manufacturer whose manufacturing facility meets current regulatory and quality requirements for drugs and/or devices as appropriate. This could ensure that a therapeutic agent with the correct dose and purity is homogeneously dispersed within the dosage form cap. The use of a cover assembly including a dosage form cap simplifies the modifications to an existing tampon manufacturing process. The use of dosage form caps allows multiple types of therapeutic agents to be applied with the tampon. The chemical and physical stabilities of the dosage form cap are not compromised by the assembly process with the tampon. The manufacturing process is less dependent on the physical characteristics of the absorbent structure of the tampon because the dosage form cap is not required to bond with the tampon.

This disclosure relates to cover assemblies for use with applicator assemblies that may be integral with or associated with feminine care products. The therapeutic agent delivery system including the therapeutic agent and excipients may include any therapeutic agent that will be absorbed into the body through the vaginal or other epithelium, or deposited topically on the vaginal or other epithelium, for the purposes of treating a physiological disease, state, or condition.

Objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a medicated applicator assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded partially cutaway perspective view of a cover assembly with a barrier seal to be used in conjunction with the medicated applicator assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a medicated applicator assembly including a medicated tampon of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded partially cutaway perspective view of a cover assembly with a barrier seal to be used in conjunction with the medicated applicator assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly with a barrier to be used in conjunction with the medicated applicator assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an engagement mechanism for the cover assembly and the applicator assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of another aspect of an engagement mechanism for the cover assembly and the applicator assembly of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments as described herein will be described for exemplary purposes using a tampon as an example of a feminine care product. The embodiments, however, apply equally to other forms of products, including tampon-like devices and vaginally- and anally-inserted devices, and should not be limited to the example described herein. In addition, although the example described includes a tampon with absorbent material, a product without absorbent material, such as a tampon applicator or other similar applicator, is also contemplated within the invention. Also contemplated is the use in conjunction with non-catamenial feminine products such as incontinence products, including female incontinence inserts.

The term “surface” and its plural generally refer herein to the outer or the topmost boundary of an object.

The term “dosage form cap” is used herein as a generic term for a unit form of a formulation that includes a therapeutic agent. The dosage form cap includes a discrete and consistent quantity of the therapeutic agent to allow for consistent dosing of one receiving the dosage form cap. The dosage form cap may be any suitable shape dictated by the needs of the application of the dosage form cap. The dosage form cap may have convex, concave, planar, arcuate, or any other suitable surfaces as dictated by the needs of the application of the dosage form cap.

FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery device in the form of a medicated applicator assembly 10, in this case including a tampon assembly 40 and a dosage form cap 45. The tampon assembly 40 includes a tampon applicator 12 and a catamenial tampon 20. The tampon applicator 12 includes a first member or outer tube 14 and a second member or inner tube 18, where the tampon applicator 12 is designed to house the catamenial tampon 20 and provide a comfortable means of inserting the tampon 20 into a woman's vagina. The dosage form cap 45 is designed to couple to the first member 14, as is described in more detail below. In another aspect of the present invention, the tampon assembly 40 or the tampon applicator 12 may be referred to simply as an applicator, particularly if the tampon assembly 40 does not include a tampon 20, or if the tampon applicator 12 is not associated with a tampon 20

The first member 14 may be in the form of a spirally wound, convolutely wound or longitudinally seamed hollow tube which is formed from paper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, other suitable material, or a combination of such materials. Any plastic in the first member 14 is preferably polyethylene, but may be polypropylene or other suitable plastic. The first member 14, also commonly referred to as an outer tube, may be of any suitable dimensions necessary to house a particular size of tampon 20. The first member 14 has an outside or exterior surface 24.

The first member 14 is sized and configured to house the absorbent tampon 20, should one be present, and should have a substantially smooth exterior surface 24 which will facilitate insertion of the first member 14 into a woman's vagina. When the exterior surface 24 is smooth and/or slippery, the first member 14 will easily slide into a woman's vagina without subjecting the internal tissues of the vagina to abrasion. The first member 14 may be coated to give it a high slip characteristic. Wax, polyethylene, a combination of wax and polyethylene, cellophane, and clay are representative coatings that may be applied to the first member 14 to facilitate comfortable insertion. The first member 14 itself may be formulated to give it a high slip characteristic, including the addition of additives to the resin from which the first member is made, or by an alteration in physical structure of the exterior surface 24, such as adding pebbling or other bumps, to decrease the amount of surface area in contact with the vaginal or other epithelium.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first member 14 has an insertion end 26 and a receiving end 30. The insertion end 26 is shown without petals, such that it simply has an opening of a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the first member 14. In other aspects of the present invention, the diameter of the opening at the insertion end 26 may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the first member 14.

In another aspect of the present invention that is not shown, the insertion end 26 may be configured to have a plurality of pleats or petals that may radially open such that the insertion end 26 has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the first member 14. The petals may be either even or odd in number and may be equally spaced apart or non-uniformly arranged.

As stated above, the medicated applicator assembly 10 includes a second member 18, also commonly referred to as an inner tube. The second member 18, like the first member 14, may be a spirally wound, a convolutely wound or a longitudinally seamed hollow tube constructed from paper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, other suitable material, or a combination thereof. The second member 18 may be constructed of the same material as the first member 14 or it may be made out of a different material. The second member 18 may also be a solid stick or use some other unique shape. It is also possible to form a finger flange 32 on the free end 31 of the second member 18 to provide an enlarged surface onto which the user's forefinger may rest. The finger flange 32 thereby functions as a seat for the forefinger and facilitates movement of the second member 18 into the first member 14. The first member 14 may have a fingergrip ring 28 located proximate the receiving end 30. The fingergrip ring 28 provides an enlarged surface onto which one or more fingers of the user may rest. In use, the user may position one or more fingers on the fingergrip ring 28 and one or more fingers on the finger flange 32. The user then holds the fingergrip ring 28 and pushes the finger flange 32 to move the second member 18 toward and into the first member 14.

A tampon 20, should one be present, is an absorbent member primarily designed to be worn by a woman during her menstrual period to absorb menses and other body fluids. The tampon 20 includes a tampon body 34 and a withdrawal string (not shown). The tampon body 34 is normally compressed into the form of a cylinder and may have a blunt, rounded or shaped forward end. The tampon body 34 has a forward or distal end 38 that is closer to the cervix when the tampon 20 is in use. The tampon body 34 also has a proximal end 39 that is closer to the vaginal opening when the tampon 20 is in use. The tampon 20 commonly has a withdrawal string fastened to the tampon body 34 and extending from the proximal end 39. The withdrawal string serves as a means for withdrawing the tampon 20 from the woman's vagina. Catamenial tampons suitable for use in the present invention include any absorbent material as is known in the art. The distal end 38 of the tampon body 34 or the tampon body 34 itself may be formed into specific shapes such as various cup shapes to enhance the contact area with the cervix, anterior fornix, posterior fornix, lateral fornices, vaginal epithelium areas, or conformance to other anatomical areas within the vaginal or other cavity.

A medicated applicator assembly 10, which may include the tampon 20, includes a therapeutic agent included in a dosage form cap 45, which is typically located within a cover assembly 50. The cover assembly 50 includes a dosage form cap 45 and a cover 80 enclosing the dosage form cap 45. As shown in FIG. 2, a barrier seal 110 may also be employed to seal the dosage form cap 45 within the cover 80.

Referring to FIG. 2, the dosage form cap 45 has a cap attachment end 46 and a cap tapered end 47. The dosage form cap 45 also includes a cap outer surface 48 and, if the dosage form cap 45 is concave (shown in FIG. 5), a cap inner surface 49, where the cap inner surface 49 defines and at least partially encloses a cap cavity 51.

The cap attachment end 46 of the dosage form cap 45 includes a portion 54 of a cap engagement mechanism 52 (see FIG. 1) that allows the dosage form cap 45 to be attached to the first member 14 (which includes another portion of the cap engagement mechanism 52) with minimal force. The attachment provided by the cap engagement mechanism 52 is preferably two-way or reversible in use.

The cap engagement mechanism 52 between the dosage form cap 45 and the first member 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as having a snap-on engagement profile. Such a profile is convenient to manufacture and may be assembled with minimal force. The cap engagement mechanism 52 may be any other suitable mechanism.

In another aspect of the present invention, the cap engagement mechanism 52 may be a biologically-compatible adhesive or any other material suitable for at least temporarily adhering the dosage form cap 45 to the first member 14. In this case, the bio-adhesive may be applied to the cap inner surface 49 only adjacent the cap attachment end 46, allowing the dosage form cap 45 to be affixed to the first member 14 by the bio-adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cover assembly 50 may also include a cover 80 provided to enclose and protect the dosage form cap 45. The cover 80 is shown as being generally cylindrical, but the shape is not essential to the invention described herein and any suitable shape may be used. In alternate aspects, the cover 80 may be generally triangular or square or have a flattened side to inhibit the medicated applicator assembly 10 from rolling on a hard surface such as a countertop. The cover 80 includes a cover open end 82, a cover open end surface 84, and a cover inner surface 86 that defines and at least partially encloses a cover cavity 88. The cover cavity 88 projects inwardly from the cover open end 82. The cover 80 may be manufactured from polyethylene, rubber, or other similar materials that will not adversely interact with the dosage form cap 45 if contact is made therewith.

The cover cavity 88 is sized and shaped such that the dosage form cap 45 fits entirely within the cover cavity 88, preferably with the cover inner surface 86 reflecting the shape of the cap outer surface 48 of the dosage form cap 45 such that the cap outer surface 48 of the dosage form cap 45 maintains general contact with the cover inner surface 86. The cover 80 is removable and is necessarily removed prior to use of the medicated applicator assembly 10 by a consumer.

The dosage form cap 45 may be formed directly within the cover cavity 88 by depositing a formulation including a therapeutic agent directly into the cover cavity 88. Alternatively, the dosage form cap 45 may also be pre-manufactured in the same or separate facility and then placed within the cover cavity 88 during manufacture of the cover assembly 50. Further detail concerning the manufacture of a dosage form, in this case a dosage form cap 45, is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,335,816 filed on Dec. 31, 2002 and titled “Medicated Tampon”.

In one aspect of the present invention, the dosage form cap 45 may be produced in any suitable form including, but not limited to, suppositories, gels, films, coatings, and other forms. In an alternate aspect of the present invention, the dosage form cap 45 may be produced in encapsulated form.

In another aspect of the present invention, the dosage form cap 45 may be designed to melt at approximately body temperature, or to dissolve or otherwise disperse in the presence of a sufficient aqueous or other liquid trigger, or appropriate chemistry, such as a suitable pH.

In an additional aspect of the present invention, the dosage form cap 45 may be formed in any shape to promote contact with anatomical structures such as the vaginal epithelium, the anterior fornix, the posterior fornix, the cervix, or other structures.

The dosage form cap 45 may include any therapeutic agent, along with any excipients, compounds, or other ingredients that are desirable to introduce into the vaginal or other cavity to promote the functionality of that therapeutic agent. The excipients may assist the release of the therapeutic agent, or assist in the absorbency of the therapeutic agent into the vaginal or other epithelium. The use of excipients to facilitate the formulation, delivery, stability, and aesthetic properties of a therapeutic agent delivery system is well known to those familiar with the art. Examples of ingredients that may accompany the therapeutic agent in the dosage form cap 45 include excipients, biologically-compatible adhesives, surfactants, and penetration enhancers. An example of a suitable excipient is SUPPOCIRE suppository base, available from Gattefossé Corp. SUPPOCIRE suppository base is a semi-synthetic glyceride. An example of a suitable biologically-compatible adhesive is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), available as METHOCEL*K15M from The Dow Chemical Company. An example of a suitable surfactant is polysorbate 80, available from Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp. An example of a suitable penetration enhancer is LABRAFIL M 1944 C nonionic amphiphilic excipient, available from Gattefossé Corp.

For the purposes of this invention, any therapeutic agent that will treat the vaginal or other cavity, other mucosal tissue, or will be absorbed into a user's body through the vaginal or other epithelium for the purposes of treating diseases or conditions, promoting the growth of normal vaginal bacterial flora, or promoting vaginal health may be used. Examples of therapeutic agents include but are not limited to vitamins, minerals, hormones, moisturizers, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, pro-biotics, botanicals, analgesics, prostaglandin inhibitors, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, leukotriene receptor antagonists, essential fatty acids, sterols, anti-inflammatory agents, vasodilators, chemotherapeutic agents, and agents to treat infertility.

Some therapeutic agents for use in this invention are absorbable through the vaginal epithelium and travel to the uterus by a unique portal of veins and arteries that are known to exist between the vagina, the cervix, and the uterus. This anastomosis eliminates first-pass metabolism by the liver, effectively delivering higher concentrations of the therapeutic agent to the uterus than would otherwise be available via oral dosing. Those of skill in the art know the efficacy of various therapeutic agents when introduced at a particular anatomical location. For example, when the therapeutic agent is selected to treat dysmenorrhea, it preferably is selected from the following group: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prostaglandin inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, local anesthetics, calcium channel blockers, potassium channel blockers, β-adrenergic agonists, leukotriene blocking agents, smooth muscle inhibitors, and drugs capable of inhibiting dyskinetic muscle contraction. Alternatively therapeutic agents modify the vaginal or other environment to enhance the wellness of this anatomical region. The benefits may be rather simple, for example increasing comfort by providing moisturization and/or lubricity. These benefits may also be more complex, for example modulating epithelial cell function to address vaginal atrophy. The beneficial therapeutic agents may reduce negative sensations such as stinging, burning, itching, etc, or introduce positive sensations to improve comfort.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cover assembly 50 may also include a removable insert 90. The insert 90 has an insert surface 92 that is shaped to generally conform to the cap inner surface 49 of the dosage form cap 45. The insert 90 may be formed from any suitable material that will not adversely interact with the dosage form cap 45. The primary purpose of the insert 90 is to help maintain the shape of the dosage form cap 45 during shipping and handling.

The cover assembly 50 may also include a removable barrier seal 110 to seal the dosage form cap 45 within the cover cavity 88. The barrier seal 110 may be disposed at the cover open end 82 of the cover 80 such that the barrier seal 110 extends radially beyond the cover cavity 88 to contact the cover open end surface 84. The barrier seal 110 may project into the cover cavity 88 to improve the seal between the barrier seal 110 and the cover 80. The barrier seal 110 is affixed to the cover 80 at the cover open end surface 84 using any suitable adhesive or affixing means, including the use of hot-melt, water-based, solvent-based, or pressure-sensitive adhesives, mucilage, a thermal seal, ultrasonic bonding, pressure, friction, electrostatics, cling-like poly wraps, or surface energy effects. The barrier seal 110 remains affixed during shipping and handling, but may be removed by a manufacturer or a consumer to reveal the contents of the cover 80. The barrier seal 110 may be formed from any suitable material, including foil, poly, film, film laminates, nonwovens, nonwoven laminates, protective materials such as TYVEK protective material, and any suitable elastomeric substance including rubber, or by a combination of these materials as long as the material of the barrier seal 110 will not adversely interact with the dosage form cap 45 or any bio-adhesive that may be present on the dosage form cap 45.

In another aspect of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3-5, the cover assembly 50 includes a tip 60 in addition to the dosage form cap 45, with the tip 60 positioned within the dosage form cap 45. As shown in FIG. 4, a barrier seal 110 may also be employed to seal the dosage form cap 45 and the tip 60 within the cover 80.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the cover assembly 50 includes a tip 60 with a tip attachment end 62 and a tip second end 64. The tip 60 has a plurality of petals 66 at the tip second end 64 that may radially open such that the tip 60 has a diameter approximately equal to or greater than the diameter of the first member 14. The petals 66 may be either even or odd in number and may be equally spaced apart or non-uniformly arranged. Between any two petals 66 is a gap 68 that provides additional flexibility to the petals 66. In another aspect of the present invention that is not shown, the gaps 68 may be filled by a frangible portion such that the tip second end 64 is closed by petals 66 and frangible portions until force applied by the dosage form 45, the tampon 20, or the second member 18 causes the frangible portions to break, allowing the petals 66 to open.

The tip 60 also includes a tip outer surface 70 and a tip inner surface 72, where the tip inner surface 72 defines and at least partially encloses a tip cavity 74. The tip 60 is preferably manufactured from material similar to that of the first member 14, but any suitable material that will not adversely interact with the dosage form may be used.

Within the cover assembly 50, the tip 60 is positioned in the cap cavity 51. The tip outer surface 70 generally conforms in shape to the cap inner surface 49. The dosage form cap 45 is affixed to the tip 60 using an adhesive, a bio-adhesive, or by any other suitable means such that the dosage form cap 45 remains affixed to the tip 60 during handling and shipping, but detaches from the tip 60 inside the vaginal or other cavity upon insertion of the dosage form cap 45.

The attachment end 62 of the tip 60 includes an engagement mechanism 76 (shown in FIG. 5) that allows the tip 60 to be attached to the first member 14 with minimal force. The attachment provided by the engagement mechanism 76 is preferably one-way or permanent. for the improved structural integrity of the tip 60 with the first member 14 in use. In most types of engagement mechanisms suitably applied in such an application, the engagement mechanism 76 typically includes a first portion 77 and a second portion 78, where the first portion 77 engages with the second portion 78 to complete the engagement mechanism 76. The first portion 77 is positioned on one of the tip 60 or the first member 14, and the second member 78 is positioned on the other of the tip 60 or the first member 14.

In an example of a screw-type engagement mechanism 176 illustrated in FIG. 6, the tip 60 includes a first portion 177 including helically-positioned projections 179, and the first member 14 includes a second portion 178 including helically-positioned projection-receiving spaces 181. The tip 60 is moved toward and twisted onto the first member 14 such that the helically-positioned projections 179 engage or interlock with the projection-receiving spaces 181. In another aspect of this example (not shown), the first portion 177 including helically-positioned projections 179 is positioned on the first member 14, and the second portion 178 including helically-positioned projection-receiving spaces 181 is positioned on the tip 60.

In an example of a quarter-turn-type engagement mechanism 276 illustrated in FIG. 7, the tip 60 includes a first portion 277 including a helically-positioned projection 279, and the first member 14 includes a second portion 278 including a helically-positioned projection-receiving space 281. The tip 60 is moved toward and twisted onto the first member 14 such that the helically-positioned projection 279 engages or interlocks with the projection-receiving space 281. In another aspect of this example (not shown), the first portion 277 including a helically-positioned projection 279 is positioned on the first member 14, and the second portion 278 including a helically-positioned projection-receiving space 281 is positioned on the tip 60.

The engagement mechanism 76 between the tip 60 and the first member 14 is shown in FIG. 5 as having a snap-on engagement profile. Such a profile is convenient to manufacture, may be assembled with minimal force, and creates the one-way attachment preferred for the structural integrity of this product. The engagement mechanism 76 may be any other suitable mechanism, including, but not limited, to a snap ring, conventional screw threads, quarter-turn threads, a mechanical latch, and an escapement-type mechanism.

In the aspect shown in FIGS. 3-5, the cover assembly 50 may also include a removable insert (not shown). The insert has an insert surface that is shaped to generally conform to the tip inner surface 72 of the tip 60 with the primary purpose of sealing the gaps 68 to help maintain the shape of the dosage form cap 45 during shipping and handling. The insert may be formed from any suitable material that will not adversely interact with the dosage form cap 45. In another aspect, the barrier seal 110 may be shaped to conform to the tip inner surface 72.

Returning to FIG. 1, the dosage form cap 45 and the tampon assembly 40 are combined to form the medicated applicator assembly 10. A cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45 is axially aligned with a tampon assembly 40. The cover assembly 50 and the tampon assembly 40 are moved toward each other using minimal force to cause the engagement mechanism of the dosage form cap 45 and the first member 14 to engage, resulting in the dosage form cap 45 becoming removably attached to the first member 14. The medicated applicator assembly 10 may then be packaged and shipped. Alternatively, the tampon assembly 40 and the cover assembly 50 with dosage form cap 45 may be packaged separately and shipped together or separately. These may later be combined by an assembler or a consumer.

Turning to FIG. 3, the dosage form cap 45, the tip 60, and the tampon assembly 40 are combined to form the medicated applicator assembly 10. A cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45 and a tip 60 is axially aligned with a tampon assembly 40. The cover assembly 50 and the tampon assembly 40 are moved toward each other using minimal force to cause the engagement mechanism of the tip 60 and the first member 14 to engage, resulting in the tip 60 becoming removably attached to the first member 14. The medicated applicator assembly 10 may then be packaged and shipped. Alternatively, the tampon assembly 40 and the cover assembly 50 with the dosage form cap 45 and the tip 60 may be packaged separately and shipped together or separately. These may later be combined by an assembler or a consumer.

More specifically, the various components of the medicated applicator assembly 10 may be manufactured and assembled in a variety of ways, but generally focus on three subassemblies: the tampon assembly 40, the cover assembly 50, and the dosage form cap 45.

The dosage form cap 45 may be produced by the same manufacturer as the manufacturer of the tampon assembly 40. The dosage form cap 45 may also be produced by a separate manufacturer and provided to the tampon manufacturer in any suitable manner. As an example, a dosage form manufacturer with a facility specifically designed for pharmaceutical manufacturing that meets current regulatory and quality requirements for drugs and/or devices, as appropriate, may produce the dosage form caps 45 under conditions such that homogeneity, concentration, and purity of the dosage form cap 45 are closely controlled, and such that production Is In accordance with applicable regulations. The dosage form cap 45 may then be sealed and shipped to the manufacturer of either the tampon assembly 40 or the cover assembly 50. In this manner, the dosage form cap 45 is produced by a manufacturer with appropriate experience, and the tampon manufacturer may be relieved of establishing a pharmaceutical-production facility. This process is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/335,816 filed on Dec. 31, 2002 and titled “Medicated Tampon”.

Likewise, the cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45 may be produced by the same manufacturer as the manufacturer of the tampon assembly 40. The cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45 may also be produced by a separate manufacturer and provided to the tampon manufacturer in any suitable manner. As an example, a pharmaceutical manufacturer with a facility specifically designed for pharmaceutical manufacturing that meets current regulatory and quality requirements for drugs and/or devices, as appropriate, may produce cover assemblies 50 including dosage form caps 45 under conditions such that homogeneity, concentration, and purity of the dosage form cap 45 are closely controlled, and such that production is in accordance with applicable regulations. The cover assembly 50 including the dosage form cap 45 may then be sealed and shipped to the tampon manufacturer. The tampon manufacturer may then apply the cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45 to a tampon assembly 40 under appropriately-controlled conditions. In this manner, the cover assembly 50 with a dosage form cap 45 is produced by a manufacturer with appropriate experience, and the tampon manufacturer is relieved of establishing a pharmaceutical-production facility.

In another aspect of the present invention, the tampon assembly 40 may be produced by a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the cover assembly 50 and both assemblies (40, 50) may be shipped to the manufacturer of the dosage form cap 45 for manufacture of the medicated tampon assembly 10. In another aspect of the present invention, the medicated tampon assembly 10 is produced by a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the dosage form cap 45, the manufacturer of the tampon assembly 40, and the manufacturer of the cover assembly 50.

In any case, the dosage form cap 45, the cover assembly 50, and the tampon assembly 40 are each manufactured. The dosage form cap 45 and cover assembly 50 are combined and sealed if appropriate, and then the cover assembly 50 (with dosage form cap 45) is combined with a tampon assembly 40, by either a manufacturer or by a consumer.

In another aspect of the present invention, the dosage form cap 45 may be combined by a manufacturer with a tampon assembly 40 without the use of a cover assembly 50. The dosage form cap 45 is attached to the first member 14, and the combination is sealed, packaged, and shipped.

In a different aspect of the present invention, the tampon assembly 40 and the cover assembly 50 with dosage form cap 45 may be packaged separately. Both may then be provided to a consumer, either separately or in one package or kit. The consumer may also obtain the cover assembly 50 and the tampon assembly 40 from separate manufacturers. In either case, either assembly may include instructions for use of a medicated applicator assembly 10. Such instructions may include information regarding when a medicated applicator assembly 10 is appropriate to use, standard pharmaceutical information regarding the dosage form cap 45 and therapeutic agent(s) contained therein, and directions regarding the method for properly combining the dosage form cap 45 and the tampon assembly 40. The consumer will be instructed to remove both a tampon assembly 40 and a cover assembly 50 from their packaging. The consumer will then remove the barrier seal 110 from the cover assembly 50. The consumer will also remove the insert 90 if one is present. The consumer will then be instructed to attach the dosage form cap 45 or the tip 60, as appropriate, to the tampon assembly 40 by whatever method is appropriate for the type of engagement mechanism 76 is present such that the dosage form cap 45 or the tip 60, as appropriate, becomes engaged with the tampon assembly 40. Finally, the consumer will be instructed to remove the cover 80 from the medicated applicator assembly 10 and use the medicated applicator assembly 10 as one would use a standard tampon.

In a different aspect of the present invention, a consumer may be provided with a cover assembly 50 including a dosage form cap 45, along with a tampon assembly 40 that does not include a tampon 20. The assembly and use in this case will be similar to that of the complete medicated applicator assembly 10, but the consumer will be using the dosage form cap 45 alone without the tampon 20.

In use, and referring to FIG. 1, the medicated applicator assembly 10 functions because the second member 18 is telescopically movable relative to the first member 14. As the second member 18 is pushed into the first member 14, the tampon 20 is forced forward against the first member petals if the first member 14 includes petals, or against the petals 66 if the tip 60 is present. The contact by the tampon 20 causes the petals 66 to radially open to a diameter that is sufficient to allow the tampon 20 to be expelled from the first member 14. As the tampon 20 passes through the petals 66, the tampon 20 and/or the petals 66 are forced against the dosage form cap 45, causing it to release from the first member 14. With the dosage form cap 45 and the tampon 20 properly positioned in the vaginal or other cavity, the tampon applicator 12 is withdrawn and properly discarded.

Once the tampon 20 is properly positioned in the vaginal or other cavity, the tampon body 34 absorbs menses and other bodily fluids, and the dosage form cap 45 delivers the therapeutic agent to the vaginal or other epithelium. From there, the therapeutic agent may be transferred to the uterus by normal bodily functions to relieve the uterine condition to be treated.

For use in the situation in which the medicated applicator assembly 10 does not include a tampon 20, the second member 18 is pushed into the first member 14 and the second member 18 is forced forward against the first member petals if the first member 14 includes petals, or against the petals 66 if the tip 60 is present. The contact by the second member 18 causes the petals 66 to radially open to a diameter that is sufficient to allow the second member 18 to pass through the petals 66. The second member 18 and/or the petals 66 are forced against the dosage form cap 45, causing it to release from the first member 14. With the dosage form cap 45 properly positioned in the vaginal or other cavity, the tampon applicator 12 is withdrawn and properly discarded.

Once the dosage form cap 45 is properly positioned in the vaginal or other cavity, the dosage form cap 45 delivers the therapeutic agent to the vaginal or other epithelium. From there, the therapeutic agent may be transferred to the uterus by normal bodily functions to relieve the uterine condition to be treated.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and illustrative aspects and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A cover assembly for use with an applicator, the cover assembly comprising: a concave dosage form cap comprising a therapeutic agent, a cap outer surface, an attachment end, and a cap inner surface defining a cap cavity, wherein the attachment end of the concave dosage form cap includes an engagement mechanism; and a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, the cover inner surface generally conforming to the cap outer surface of the concave dosage form cap; the cover assembly further comprising an insert disposed within the cap cavity.
 2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert has an insert surface, and wherein the insert surface conforms to the cap inner surface of the dosage form cap.
 3. A cover assembly for use with an applicator assembly, the cover assembly comprising: a concave dosage form cap comprising a therapeutic agent, a cap outer surface, and a cap inner surface defining a cap cavity; a tip positioned within the cap cavity, the tip comprising a tip outer surface generally conforming to the cap inner surface, a tip attachment end, and a tip inner surface defining a tip cavity, wherein the attachment end of the tip includes an engagement mechanism; and a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, the cover inner surface generally conforming to the cap outer surface of the concave dosage form cap.
 4. The cover assembly of claim 3, further comprising a barrier seal affixed to the cover.
 5. The cover assembly of claim 4, wherein the barrier seal is removable.
 6. The cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the cover has a cover open end surface, and further comprising a barrier seal affixed to the cover at the cover open end surface.
 7. The cover assembly of claim 3, further comprising an insert disposed within the tip cavity.
 8. The cover assembly of claim 7, wherein the insert has an insert surface, and wherein the insert surface generally conforms to the tip inner surface of the tip.
 9. A medicated applicator tampon assembly for applying a therapeutic agent and a tampon to a vagina, the assembly comprising: an applicator having a first member with a receiving end and an insertion end and a second member slidably received in the receiving end; a concave dosage form cap coupled to an exterior surface of the insertion end of the first member, wherein the concave dosage form cap does not contact the tampon; and an engagement mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the concave dosage form cap includes the first portion of the engagement mechanism, and the insertion end includes the second portion of the engagement mechanism.
 10. A medicated applicator assembly comprising: an applicator having a first member with a receiving end and an insertion end and a second member slidably received in the receiving end; a tip coupled to the insertion end of the first member, the tip comprising a tip outer surface; a concave dosage form cap comprising a cap cavity, the concave dosage form cap coupled to the tip outer surface such that the tip outer surface is disposed within the cap cavity and an engagement mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the tip includes the first portion of the engagement mechanism, and the insertion end includes the second portion of the engagement mechanism.
 11. The medicated applicator assembly of claim 10, wherein the applicator is a tampon assembly.
 12. A medicated applicator assembly comprising: an applicator having a first member with a receiving end and an insertion end and a second member slidably received in the receiving end; a cover assembly including a concave dosage form cap, wherein the concave dosage form cap defines a cap cavity; and an engagement mechanism having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the concave dosage form cap includes the first portion of the engagement mechanism, and the insertion end includes the second portion of the engagement mechanism.
 13. The medicated applicator assembly of claim 12, the cover assembly further comprising a cover having a cover inner surface defining a cover cavity, wherein the concave dosage form cap is disposed within the cover cavity.
 14. The medicated applicator assembly of claim 12, wherein the applicator includes a tampon disposed therein. 